Dynamics of bone remodelling: biochemical and pathophysiological basis

M C de Vernejoul1

  • 1INSERM U349: Cellular and Molecular Biology of Bone and Cartilage and Rheumatology Department, Centre Viggo Petersen, Hopital Lariboisiére, Paris, France.

European Journal of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry : Journal of the Forum of European Clinical Chemistry Societies
|September 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Bone renewal involves osteoblasts and osteoclasts working together. Local factors like cytokines and growth factors help coordinate this process. Recent studies show that oestradiol affects cytokine production in bone cells. In mice, increased interleukin-6 leads to more bone resorption after ovariectomy. Other growth factors like transforming growth factor-beta may also be involved. In women, cytokine levels rise with menopause but can be reduced with oestrogen treatment. Changes in growth factors like insulin-like growth factor I may contribute to low bone formation in osteoporosis. These findings suggest cytokines and growth factors are important in bone health and disease.

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